Days out in Redditch
The Forge Mill Needle Museum and Bordesley Abbey
The Forge Mill Needle Museum is an unusual and fascinating place to visit. This historic site illustrates the rich heritage of the needle and fishing tackle industries. Models and recreated scenes provide a vivid illustration of how needles were once made, and how Redditch once came to dominate the world needle trade.
On the same site, just a very short walk from Forge Mill Museum, are the ruins of Bordesley Abbey - a medieval Cistercian Abbey which has been extensively excavated. Bordesley Abbey Visitor Centre, which is set in an original reconstructed 16th century barn, tells the story of the Abbey from its development in the 12th century to its destruction in 1538 by Henry VIII during the dissolution.
| Opening Times | See website for details |
|---|---|
| Address | Needle Mill Lane, Riverside, Redditch B98 8HY |
| Telephone | 01527 62509 |
| Website | www.forgemill.org.uk |
| Services | 146 |
Arrow Valley Country Park
Arrow Valley Country Park is the largest area of open space in Redditch, 900 acres in size. The park was created in the 1970's by the Redditch Development Corporation and has become one of Redditch's greatest green assets. The park extends over 2.5 miles from Bordesley Abbey in the north of Washford Mill in the south. The River Arrow meanders through the park providing excellent wildlife habitats and interesting walks for visitors.
| Opening Times | Summer (Apr-Oct) 10am-5pm Winter (Nov-Mar) 10am-4:30 pm |
|---|---|
| Address | Battens Drive, South Moons Moat, Redditch B98 0LJ |
| Telephone | 01527 464000 |
| Services | 57, 58 |